SURGICAL CONNECTION DEVICE AND SURGICAL CONNECTION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a surgical connecting device for connecting a first rod element to a second rod element in one or more, in particular two, relative orientations, wherein the connecting device comprises a base body with a first connection area for the first rod element and a second connection area for the second rod element, wherein at least three receiving openings are formed on the base body, wherein at least one of the receiving openings is arranged on each connection area and at least one connection area has two or more of the receiving openings with different axes into which receiving openings the rod element can be selectively inserted, and wherein a fixing element for fixing the respective rod element on the connection area in a fixing direction is arranged on each connection area.and wherein one of the receiving openings is formed on a first surface section of the base body, the edge of which has a perforation extending from the first surface section to an adjacent, angled second surface section of the base body, for inserting the rod element into the receiving opening from the second surface section and through the perforation, in an insertion direction transverse to the axis of the receiving opening and transverse to the fixing direction.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surgical connection system with a connection device of the aforementioned type and two or more rod elements which can be optionally fixed at the first connection area and / or at the second connection area.

[0003] The aforementioned connecting device is used, for example, to connect rod elements that are fixed to anchoring elements, particularly bone screws. Depending on the application, the rod elements should preferably be able to assume different relative orientations. For this reason, the connecting device is designed so that the first rod element can be fixed at the first connection point and the second rod element at the second connection point in one or more relative orientations to each other. The rod elements can, for example, each engage section by section in a receiving space of the connection points. It is also known that the rod elements can have different designs. In particular, rod elements with different diameters are provided.In practice, it turns out that a large number of different connecting devices and rod elements are kept on hand, which are used depending on the application. This complicates inventory management. Intraoperative flexibility suffers. Reprocessing is made more difficult. Storage and / or reprocessing require larger sieve baskets, the contents of which are difficult to manage. This can result in high costs.

[0004] A generic connecting device and a generic connecting system are described, for example, in US 8,998,961 B1. Further surgical connecting systems are disclosed in US 2012 / 0029571 A1, US 2008 / 0125538 A1, US 2017 / 0348026 A1, US 2010 / 280552 A1, WO 2009 / 001978 A1, US 2018 / 098798 A1 and US 2018 / 125538 A1.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a generic connecting device and a generic connecting system which is easier to handle.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention in a connecting device of the type mentioned at the outset by the subject matter of claim 1. The connecting device according to the invention has at least one receiving opening at each connection area, wherein at least one connection area has two or more receiving openings so that the rod elements can preferably also be fixed in different relative orientations. "Axis" is to be understood in particular as meaning that each receiving opening defines an orientation (alignment, specifically away from the base body, and position) of the rod element arranged in the receiving opening as intended. According to the invention, a receiving opening is provided at a first surface section, the edge of which has a perforation.This allows the rod element to be inserted into the receiving opening from a second surface section through the opening. The insertion direction is perpendicular to the axis and perpendicular to the fixing direction of the fixing element. This makes it possible to insert the rod element not only along the axis, so to speak "axially," into the receiving opening, but also laterally through the opening. Depending on the available space, application, and / or surgical technique, the surgeon can choose one of the insertion directions, making the connection device more versatile and easier to handle.

[0007] For example, a receiving space can be arranged at the respective connection area, into which the rod element engages and in which it can be fixed by means of the fixing element.

[0008] It can be particularly advantageous that the rod element can be inserted into the receiving opening through the opening transverse to the fixing direction. This preferably offers the possibility of pre-fixing the fixing element to the base body, inserting the rod element, and then fixing it with the fixing element. This also facilitates the improved handling of the connection device according to the invention.

[0009] In this context, "transverse" can particularly mean and include "perpendicular".

[0010] The receiving opening on the first surface section is hereinafter also referred to as the first receiving opening.

[0011] Advantageously, the opening width of the perforation is smaller than the opening width of the receiving opening on the first surface section. This preferably reduces the probability that the rod element inserted into the receiving opening will unintentionally escape from the receiving opening through the perforation, and improves the handling of the connecting device.

[0012] According to the invention, the receiving opening forms or comprises a recess into which the rod element can be inserted and fixed therein by means of the fixing element. After passing through the opening, the rod element can, for example, be placed in the recess and fixed therein.

[0013] The base body can, in a top view along the axis, be designed section by section, for example, essentially in a C-shape, with the opening at the receiving opening edge formed between the two legs of the C. The leg in which the fixing element is located can, in particular, be longer than the other leg of the C.

[0014] For example, the leg of C, in whose area the aforementioned recess is located, is shorter than the other leg of C. The shortened leg is, for example, the leg opposite the longer leg in whose area the fixing element is located.

[0015] A second receiving opening is formed on the second surface section, with a receiving opening edge that has a perforation for inserting the rod element into the second receiving opening from the first surface section and through the perforation, transversely to the axis of the second receiving opening. When positioned in the second receiving opening, the rod element has a different orientation compared to when positioned in the first receiving opening, with respect to different relative orientations to the other rod element. Through the perforation, the rod element can be inserted not only into the first receiving opening but also, in a different orientation, into the second receiving opening. The insertion direction for this purpose is transverse to the axis of the second receiving opening and, in particular, transverse to the fixing direction.

[0016] It is advantageous if the edge of the second receiving opening has a further opening for inserting the rod element into the second receiving opening from a third surface section of the base body, which faces away from the first surface section, and through this further opening, transversely to the axis of the second receiving opening. This allows the rod element to be inserted into the second receiving opening in a different manner. The insertion direction in this respect is transverse to its axis and, in particular, opposite to the insertion direction into the second receiving opening from the first surface section. Specifically, the further insertion direction can be transverse to the fixing direction. The further opening increases the versatility of the connection device and thus improves its handling.

[0017] Advantageously, a third receiving opening is formed on a third surface section, which faces away from the first surface section. The rod element can be inserted into the third receiving opening and fixed therein using the fixing element.

[0018] It is advantageous if the edge of the third receiving opening has the aforementioned additional opening for inserting the rod element into the third receiving opening from the second surface section and through the additional opening, transversely to the axis. This allows the rod element to be inserted into the third receiving opening not only axially in the direction of its extension, but also through the additional opening from the second surface section. This increases the versatility of the connection device and improves its handling. In particular, the insertion direction is oriented transversely to the fixing direction.

[0019] As described above, it is preferably provided that the receiving opening edge of the second receiving opening has two openings. A first opening is formed such that it is simultaneously a opening in the receiving opening edge of the first receiving opening. A second opening is formed such that it is simultaneously a opening in the receiving opening edge of the third receiving opening.

[0020] In particular, the base body can have edge sections with openings. Depending on the chosen insertion direction and orientation of the rod element, a rod element can be inserted through one of these openings into either the first or second receiving opening. Similarly, depending on the chosen insertion direction and orientation of the rod element, a rod element can be inserted through the second opening into either the second or third receiving opening.

[0021] It is possible for the third receiving opening to be aligned coaxially with the receiving opening on the first surface section. This allows, for example, a rod element to be guided through both the first and third receiving openings.

[0022] If the receiving opening edge of the first receiving opening and the receiving opening edge of the third receiving opening each have an opening for inserting a rod element from the second surface section, it is preferably possible to insert a rod element through these two openings from the second surface section transversely to the respective axis and in particular transversely to the fixing direction into the first and the third receiving opening.

[0023] The third receiving opening preferably has an identical shape to the receiving opening on the first surface section. The receiving openings can, in particular, be congruent.

[0024] It may be provided that the opening width of the penetration (for inserting the rod element from the first surface section into the second receiving opening) is smaller than the opening width of the second receiving opening.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the opening width of the further opening is smaller than the opening width of the second receiving opening.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the opening width of the further opening is smaller than the opening width of the third receiving opening.

[0027] The smaller opening width of each penetration, relative to the respective receiving opening, reduces the likelihood of the rod element emerging laterally from the receiving opening. This improves the handling of the connecting device.

[0028] According to the invention, the second receiving opening and optionally the third receiving opening form or comprise a recess corresponding to the first or further opening, in which the rod element can be fixed by means of the fixing element. After passing through the opening or further opening, the rod element can, for example, be inserted into the recess of the second receiving opening and fixed therein. Similarly, after passing through the further opening, the rod element can, for example, be inserted into the third receiving opening and fixed therein.

[0029] It may be provided that the second receiving opening has a shape that differs from the shape of the receiving opening on the first surface section (first receiving opening) and / or from the shape of the third receiving opening.

[0030] Advantageously, the second receiving aperture is provided that it defines an axis that is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the receiving aperture on the first surface section (first receiving aperture) and / or to the axis of the third receiving aperture. The axes may, in particular, intersect.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the second surface section is oriented perpendicular to the first surface section and / or perpendicular to the third surface section.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the first and third surface sections are aligned parallel to each other.

[0033] The fixing element allows, for example, a force-fit or form-fit fixing of the rod element and can, for example, be fixed to the connection area in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner.

[0034] At each connection point, a receptacle is formed for the respective fixing element. Preferably, it can be provided that at least one edge of a fixing element receptacle is closed and / or free of any openings. In this way, a reliable fit of the fixing element in the receptacle can be ensured.

[0035] In particular, it is preferably not provided that a rod element can be inserted into one of the receiving openings through a perforation of an edge of the fixing element receptacle.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing element is, for example, a screw element that can be screwed into a screw receptacle on the base body in the fixing direction, wherein the rod element can be clamped to the connection area by means of the screw element. The screw receptacle forms the aforementioned fixing element receptacle and, in particular, has a thread that can engage with a thread of the screw element.

[0037] In particular, it may be provided that only at one connection area a receiving opening with a receiving opening edge having a perforation as described above is provided.

[0038] It is advantageous if two receiving openings are formed at the first and second connection areas, on opposite surface sections, allowing the rod elements to be inserted into these receiving openings in opposite directions. This enables the rod elements to be axially connected via the connecting device, with one rod element fixed at each of the two connection areas. The receiving openings can be aligned coaxially and define axes that are aligned with each other. For rod elements of the same diameter, the axes of the rod elements can be aligned with each other. For rod elements of different diameters, the axes of the rod elements can be aligned parallel to each other.

[0039] Preferably, the base body includes a stop element effective in one of the insertion directions for at least one of the rod elements. The stop element on the base body can, in particular, serve to ensure that at least one of the rod elements assumes a defined relative position to the base body. This improves the handling of the connecting device.

[0040] The stop element, for example, limits the aforementioned receiving areas of the connection zones.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the stop element can be designed as an intermediate wall within the base body. In particular, a stop element, especially the intermediate wall, can be effective for both of the rod elements. The intermediate wall can be completely closed and free of any opening.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection areas are rigidly connected to one another. In this context, this can be understood to mean, in particular, that the connection areas are so firmly connected to one another that they cannot be movably fixed against each other. Rather, in the preferred embodiment, an immovable connection of the connection areas can be provided.

[0043] Advantageously, at least one receiving opening is formed at the first connection area and at least one further receiving opening is formed at the second connection area, defining axes that are oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to each other. This allows the rod elements to be connected at an angle relative to each other using the connecting device. In particular, a right-angled connection can be provided, with the rod elements, for example, oriented in an L-shape relative to each other.

[0044] Preferably, at least one receiving opening is formed at the first connection area and at least one further receiving opening is formed at the second connection area, defining axes that are aligned parallel to each other. This allows two parallel-oriented rod elements to be connected using the connection device.

[0045] In the two advantageous embodiments of the invention mentioned last, it is beneficial if at least one of the connection areas has two coaxially aligned receiving openings, and if the rod element can be guided through these two receiving openings. For example, these receiving openings are formed on two opposite sides of the corresponding connection area, and the rod element can be guided through the receiving openings and the base body. The receiving openings can, in particular, be of identical shape and / or congruent.

[0046] It is advantageous if at least one of the connection areas is designed to fix rod elements of different diameters. This can be facilitated, for example, by the shape of the receiving openings, as explained below.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the connecting device, at least one receiving opening with a circular or non-circular cross-section is provided.

[0048] It is advantageous to provide at least one receiving opening whose edge extends segmentally along a circular arc with a first radius and segmentally along a circular arc with a second radius that differs from the first radius and, in particular, is smaller than the first. The different radii make the receiving opening better suited for fixing rod elements of different radii. For example, a rod element with a smaller radius can be placed against the circular arc with the second radius (if this is the smaller radius). A rod element with a larger radius can be placed against the circular arc with the first radius (if this is the larger radius).

[0049] It can be advantageous to provide at least one receiving opening whose edge has two planar segments oriented in a V-shape relative to each other. These segments allow for the adaptation of multiple rod elements of varying radii to the receiving opening edge.

[0050] Between the planar segments, which are aligned in a V-shape to each other, the edge of the receiving opening preferably has a segment with radius.

[0051] The aforementioned problem is solved by a surgical connection system according to the invention, which comprises at least one connection device of the type mentioned above and two or more rod elements that can be optionally fixed at the first connection area and / or at the second connection area.

[0052] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the connection device according to the invention can also be achieved with the connection system. To avoid repetition, reference can be made to the preceding statements.

[0053] Advantageous embodiments of the connection system according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the connection device according to the invention. Reference is also made to the preceding explanations in this regard.

[0054] The rod elements can be identical in design. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that at least two differently designed rod elements are included. For example, at least two rod elements with different radii are provided.

[0055] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The drawing shows: Figure 1: a first perspective view of a connection system according to the invention, comprising a connection device according to the invention and two rod elements in a first relative orientation; Figure 2: a perspective view of a basic body of the connection device made of Figure 1 Figure 3: a side view of the basic body; Figure 4: another perspective view of the basic body; Figure 5: a second perspective view of the connection system made of Figure 1 , whereby the rod elements assume a second relative orientation; Figure 6: a third perspective view of the connection system made of Figure 1 , wherein the rod elements assume a third relative orientation; Figure 7: a sectional view along line 7-7 in Figure 3Figures 8 and 9: an enlarged view of a section of the connection system, showing a receiving opening with a rod element arranged therein, the rod elements having different radii; and Figures 10 and 11: a view similar to the Figures 8 and 9 in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein rod elements with different radii are arranged in a receiving opening.

[0056] The Figure 1 , 5 and 6 Each figure shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a connection system 10 according to the invention. The connection system 10 comprises a preferred embodiment of a versatile and universally applicable connection device 12 according to the invention and at least two rod elements 14, 16.

[0057] As will be evident from the following explanations and directly from the Figure 1 , 5 and 6As can be seen, the rod elements 14, 16 can preferably be connected in different relative orientations to each other by means of the connecting device 12. The different relative arrangements include in particular an L-shaped relative orientation (Figure 1), an axial connection ( Figure 5 ) and a parallel relative orientation of the bar elements 14, 16 ( Figure 6 ).

[0058] The connecting device 12 comprises a base body 18 and two fixing elements 20. The base body 18 is designed as a single piece.

[0059] In the present case, the basic body 18 is approximately cuboid in shape or similar to a cuboid. The basic body 18 has a first surface section 22 and a second surface section 24 adjacent to it, which is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the first surface section 22.

[0060] The base body 18 has a third surface section 26, which adjoins the second surface section 24 and is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to it. The surface sections 22 and 26 are arranged on opposite sides of the base body 18.

[0061] A fourth surface section 28 connects surface sections 22 and 26 and is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to them. Surface sections 24 and 28 are arranged on opposite sides of the base body 18.

[0062] Furthermore, a fifth surface section 30 and a sixth surface section 32 are provided on opposite sides of the base body 18. The surface sections 30 and 32 each border the other surface sections 22 to 28.

[0063] It is understood that chamfers or bevels may be present in the area of ​​transitions between adjacent surface sections 22 to 32 and / or at corner areas of the base body 18.

[0064] The basic body 18 is mirror-symmetrical overall with respect to a central longitudinal plane 34. The central longitudinal plane 34 is arranged centrally between the surface sections 22 and 26 and runs parallel to the planes defined by these two surface sections.

[0065] The basic body 18 comprises a first connection area 36 and a second connection area 38. One of the bar elements 14, 16 can be attached to the first connection area 36. This is shown in the drawing using bar element 14 as an example. The other bar element 14, 16 can be attached to the second connection area 38. This is shown in the drawing using bar element 16 as an example.

[0066] The connection areas 36 and 38 are separated from each other, for example, by a transverse plane 40 of the base body 18. The transverse plane 40 is oriented perpendicular to the central longitudinal plane 34 and is located approximately midway between the surface sections 24 and 28.

[0067] As especially from Figure 7 As can be seen, a cavity 42 is formed at each connection area 36, ​​38 in the base body 18. The cavities 42 are separated from each other by an intermediate wall 44, through which the transverse plane 40 runs.

[0068] The cavity 42 is a receiving space formed at the respective connection area 36, ​​38. A respective rod element 14, 16 can engage in the cavity 42. The cavity 42 is a receiving space of the connection area 36 or 38.

[0069] To insert the rod elements 14, 16 into the respective cavity 42, several receiving openings are formed on the surface sections 22 to 28 of the base body 18. The receiving openings are each designated with the reference numeral 46. A rod element 14, 16 can be inserted into or guided through the cavity 42 via a respective receiving opening 46, engaging one of the connection areas 36, 38. Depending on the orientation of the rod elements 14, 16 in the receiving openings 46, the different connections in the Figure 1 , 5 and 6 The relative orientations of the bar elements 14, 16 shown are implemented.

[0070] Each receiving opening 46 has an axis. The axis can be considered, in particular, as the direction in which a rod element 14, 16 projects from the base body 18 in a respective receiving opening 46. This is, for example, an axis of the respective receiving opening 46.

[0071] The receiving openings 46 on the first surface section 22 have an axis 48. The receiving openings 46 on the third surface section 26 have an axis 50 that is opposite to the axis 48.

[0072] The receiving opening 46 on the second surface section 24 has an axis 52 which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the axes 48, 50.

[0073] The receiving opening 46 on the fourth surface section 28 has an axis 54 which is aligned opposite to the axis 52 and is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the axes 48, 50.

[0074] To secure the rod elements 14, 16 to the connection areas 36 and 38 respectively, the connecting device 12 comprises the fixing elements 20. Two fixing elements 20 are provided, each designed as a screw element 58 and arranged in a screw receptacle 60 at the connection areas 36, 38. The screw receptacles 60 are formed in the fifth surface section 30.

[0075] The screw receptacle 60 is a fixing element receptacle for the fixing element 20. One edge of each screw receptacle 60 is closed and free of any openings. In particular, none of the rod elements 14, 16 can be inserted into one of the receiving openings 46 through such an opening in the edge of the screw receptacle 60.

[0076] The screw elements 58 can be screwed in in a fixing direction 62 that is directed towards the cavity 42 and the sixth surface section 32. Depending on the thickness of the rod element 14, 16, the screw elements 58 engage more or less deeply into the cavity 42. The rod elements 14, 16 are clamped to the base body 18 by means of the screw elements 58.

[0077] The first connection area 36 includes a receiving opening 46 on each of the surface sections 22, 26 and 28. The receiving openings 46 of the surface sections 22 and 26 are aligned coaxially with each other (Figure 3). Furthermore, the receiving openings 46 of the surface sections 22 and 26 are of identical shape and congruent with each other.

[0078] Axes 48 and 50 are aligned with each other, but are oriented in opposite directions away from the base body 18. Axis 54 is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to axes 48 and 50.

[0079] At the first connection area 36, ​​the rod element 14 can be arranged as follows: Firstly, it is possible to align the rod element 14 in the axis 54 and through the receiving opening 46 on the fourth surface section 28 ( Figure 1 and 5 The partition wall 44 preferably serves as a stop element 46 for the rod element 14.

[0080] Secondly, it is possible to align the rod element 14 only through the receiving opening 46 on the first surface section 22 or only through the receiving opening 46 on the third surface section 26 in the axis 48 or 50. This is not shown in the drawing.

[0081] Thirdly, it is possible to guide the rod element 14 through both receiving openings 46 of the surface sections 22, 26 and through the base body 18. This is in Figure 6 shown, in this case the rod element 16 protrudes from the base body 18 along the axis 50.

[0082] As mentioned, the second connection area 38 also has receiving openings 46 for the rod element 16 to engage in the cavity 42 or to pass through the base body 18.

[0083] As can be seen particularly from the Figures 2 and 3 As can be seen, a receiving opening 46 is formed on the first surface section 22, which has a receiving opening edge 66. The receiving opening edge 66 has a perforation 68 in the direction of the second surface section 24.

[0084] A receiving opening 46 is formed on the second surface section 22, which has a receiving opening edge 70. The receiving opening edge 70 has two openings. These include the opening 68 already mentioned, extending towards the first surface section 22. In addition, a further opening 72 is provided opposite opening 68, extending to the third surface section 26.

[0085] As especially from Figure 4 As can be seen, a receiving opening 46 is formed on the third surface section 26, which has a receiving opening edge 74. The receiving opening edge 74 has a perforation. This is the perforation 72, which extends to the second surface section 24.

[0086] The receiving openings 46 on the surface sections 22 and 26 are of identical shape and aligned coaxially and congruently to each other.

[0087] The configuration described above can be formulated in the present example of the base body 18 such that the base body 18 has two openings at the second connection area 38. The first opening 68 is a opening of the receiving opening edges 66 and 70 and is formed at the transition between the surface sections 22 and 24. The further opening 72 is a opening of the receiving opening edges 70 and 74 and is formed at the transition between the surface sections 24 and 26.

[0088] As can be seen particularly from the Figures 2 to 4 As can be seen, the openings 68, 72 are provided with an identical opening width 76. In a preferred embodiment, the opening width 76 can be smaller than the opening width 78 of the receiving openings 46 on the surface sections 22 and 26 and smaller than an opening width 80 of the receiving opening 46 on the surface section 24.

[0089] The connecting device 12 offers the following advantages due to the openings 68, 72: The rod element 16 can be inserted through the opening 68, starting from the second surface section 24, into the receiving opening 46 on the first surface section 22. An arrow 82 indicates the insertion direction. The insertion direction 82 is oriented transversely to the axis 48 and transversely to the fixing direction 62.

[0090] This allows the rod element 16 to be inserted into the receiving opening 46 not only along the axis 48, but also via the lateral opening 68. This increases the versatility of the connecting device 12 and improves its handling. In particular, it is possible to insert the rod element 16 into the receiving opening 46 even with the screw element 58 already pre-assembled.

[0091] It is advantageous that the receiving opening 46 on the surface section 22 has a recess 84 with respect to the opening 68. Once inserted into the receiving opening 46, this reduces the probability that the rod element 16 will unintentionally emerge again through the opening 68.

[0092] The rod element 16 can, for example, be inserted into the recess 84 through the opening 68 and secured therein by means of the screw element 58.

[0093] As especially from Figure 3 As can be seen, the base body 18, viewed from above along axis 48, essentially has a C-shape at the connection area 38. The fixing element 20 is arranged in the area of ​​a first leg, shown at the top of the drawing (behind the leg in the drawing plane). The recess 84 is arranged on a second leg, which is opposite the first leg and shown at the bottom of the drawing.

[0094] In this case, the second leg is shorter than the first leg, so that the free end of the second leg is set back in relation to the free end of the first leg, on which the surface section 24 is arranged at the end face, in this case in the direction of the connection area 36.

[0095] The advantages explained using the example of the receiving opening 46 on surface section 22 apply accordingly to the receiving openings 46 on the third surface section 26 and on the second surface section 24.

[0096] In particular, the above descriptions for the receiving opening 46 on the third surface section 26 can be directly applied due to the symmetrical design of the base body 18. It is possible to insert the rod element 16 into the receiving opening 46 through the further opening 72 in the insertion direction 82, starting from the second surface section 24.

[0097] As explained above using the example of the first connection area 36, ​​to fix the rod element 16 to the second connection area 38 it can be provided that it only protrudes into the cavity 42 through one of the receiving openings 46 in the surface sections 22 or 26 and is fixed therein by means of the screw element 58.

[0098] Furthermore, it is possible that the rod element 16 protrudes through both receiving openings 46 on the surface sections 22 and 26 ( Figure 1 and 6 ). For this purpose, the provision of the openings 68, 72 offers the possibility of inserting the rod element 16 from the second surface section 24 into these two receiving openings 46 in the insertion direction 82.

[0099] The receiving opening 46 on the second surface section 24 allows the rod element 16 to be inserted along the axis 52. In particular, the intermediate wall 44 can act as a stop element 64.

[0100] The rod element 16 can alternatively be inserted through the opening 68 from the first surface section 22 into the receiving opening 46 on the second surface section 24, transverse to the axis 52 and transverse to the fixing direction 62. An arrow 86 indicates the corresponding insertion direction.

[0101] Similarly, the rod element 16 can alternatively be inserted from the third surface section 26 into the receiving opening 46 on the second surface section 24 in an insertion direction marked by an arrow 88, transverse to the axis 52 and transverse to the fixing direction 62.

[0102] In both cases, the rod element 16 can be inserted into the recess 84 of the receiving opening 46 on the second surface section 24 after being introduced through the opening 68 or 72 and fixed therein by means of the screw element 58.

[0103] In the last two cases mentioned, there is the possibility of axial displacement of the rod element 16 until it abuts the stop element 64.

[0104] The advantage of connection system 10 is that the screw element 58 can be pre-fixed in the screw receptacle 60 at the connection area 38 before the rod element 16 is inserted. The rod element can be inserted through one of the receiving openings 46 on the first, second, or third surface sections 22, 24, 26 and secured at the connection area 38 by means of the pre-fixed screw element 58.

[0105] The receiving openings 46 of the surface sections 24 and 28 are aligned coaxially to each other in order to enable an axial connection of the rod elements 14, 16 ( Figure 5 Depending on the diameters of the bar elements 14 and 16, their axes either align with each other (if they have the same diameter), or their axes are parallel to each other (if they have different diameters). In the latter case, the bar elements 14 and 16 are aligned parallel to each other.

[0106] A parallel relative orientation of the rod elements 14, 16 is possible by inserting them into the receiving openings 46 of the first and third surface sections 22, 26 ( Figure 6 ).

[0107] An L-shaped relative orientation of the rod elements 14, 16 can be achieved, firstly, by inserting the rod element 14 into the receiving opening 46 on the fourth surface section 28 and the rod element 16 into at least one of the receiving openings 46 on the first and third surface sections 22, 26. Secondly, the rod element 16 can be inserted into the receiving opening 46 on the second surface section 24, and the rod element 14 into at least one receiving opening 46 on the first and third surface sections 22, 26.

[0108] As already mentioned, it is advantageous if rod elements 14, 16 of different diameters can be inserted into a respective receiving opening 46.

[0109] The Figures 8 and 9Figure 1 shows a detailed view of the receiving opening 46 of the connection area 36 on surface section 22. It can be seen that the receiving opening 46 is not a circular cross-sectional opening. Instead, two segments 90 and 92 are provided, each extending along a circular arc. However, segments 90 and 92 differ in their radii. The radius of segment 92 is smaller than the radius of segment 90.

[0110] The other receiving openings 46 on the base body 18 also have segments with different radii. However, the receiving openings 46 of the second connection area 38 comprise segments 90 of different lengths due to the presence of the openings 68, 72.

[0111] Providing segments 90, 92 with different radii offers the advantage that rod elements of different diameters can be reliably fixed in the receiving opening 46. Figure 8This represents a bar element 94 with a larger radius, which is adapted to the radius of segment 90. Figure 9 This is shown for a rod element 96 with a smaller radius, which is adapted to the radius of segment 92. In each case, there is the possibility of a flat contact with the edge of the receiving opening 46.

[0112] The Figures 10 and 11 Figure 1 shows a different shape for a receiving opening 46 of the base body 18. Here, the receiving opening 46 has two planar segments 98 and 100 oriented in a V-shape relative to each other. The angle between the segments 98 and 100 is approximately 90°.

[0113] Between segments 98 and 100, a segment 102 with a radius and approximately circular arc shape is provided. Another segment 104 connects segments 98 and 100 at their opposite ends and is semicircular with a radius and, adjoining this, straight sections extending towards segments 98 and 100.

[0114] Based on the in the Figures 10 and 11 The depicted rod elements 94 with a larger radius and 96 with a smaller radius show that such a design also enables the possibility of reliable clamping of rod elements of different diameters. Reference symbol list

[0115] 10 Connection system 12 Connection device 14, 16 Rod element 18 Base body 20 Fixing element 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 Surface section 34 Central longitudinal plane 36, 38 Connection area 40 Transverse plane 42 Cavity 44 Partition wall 46 Receiving opening 48, 50, 52, 54 Axis 58 Screw element 60 Screw receptacle 62 Fixing direction 64 Stop element 66, 70, 74 Receiving opening edge 68, 72 Opening 76, 78, 80 Opening width 82, 86, 88 Insertion direction 84 Recess 90, 92, 98, 100, 102, 104 Segment 94, 96 Rod element

Claims

1. A surgical connection device for connecting a first rod element (14) to a second rod element (16) in one or more relative orientations, in particular two, wherein the connection device (12) comprises a main body (18) with a first connection region (36) for the first rod element (14) and a second connection region (38) for the second rod element (16), wherein at least three receiving openings (46) are formed in the main body (18), wherein at least one receiving opening (46) is arranged in each connection region (36, 38) and at least one connection region (36, 38) has two or more receiving openings (46) with different axes (48, 50, 52, 54) from one another, into which receiving openings (46) the rod element (14, 16) is insertable selectively, and wherein in each connection region (36, 38) there is arranged a fixing element (20) for fixing the respective rod element (14, 16) at the connection region (36, 38) in a fixing direction (62), and wherein one of the receiving openings (46) is formed in a first surface portion (22) of the main body (18), the receiving opening edge (66) of which receiving opening has an aperture (68), which extends from the first surface portion (22) to an adjacent, angled second surface portion (24) of the main body (18), for inserting the rod element (14, 16) into the receiving opening (46) starting from the second surface portion (24) and through the aperture (68), in an insertion direction (82) transverse to the axis (48) of the receiving opening (46) and transverse to the fixing direction (62), characterized in that the receiving opening (46) in the first surface portion (22) forms or comprises a recess (84) with respect to the aperture (68), into which recess the rod element (14, 16) is insertable and therein fixable by means of the fixing element (20), in that in the second surface portion (24) there is formed a second receiving opening (46) with a receiving opening edge (70) which has the aperture (68) for inserting the rod element (14, 16) into the second receiving opening (46) starting from the first surface portion (22) and through the aperture (68), transversely to the axis (52) of the second receiving opening (46), and in that the second receiving opening (46) forms or comprises a recess (84) with respect to the aperture (68), into which recess the rod element (14, 16) is insertable and therein fixable by means of the fixing element (20).

2. A connection device in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the fixing element (20) is prefixable to the main body (18), whereby the rod element (14, 16) is insertable through the aperture (68) into the receiving opening (46) and subsequently fixable with the fixing element (20).

3. A connection device in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an opening width (76) of the aperture (68) is smaller than the opening width (78) of the receiving opening (46) in the first surface portion (22).

4. A connection device in accordance with the preceding claims , characterized in that the receiving opening edge (70) of the second receiving opening (46) has a further aperture (72) for inserting the rod element (14, 16) into the second receiving opening (46) starting from a third surface portion (26) of the main body (18) facing away from the first surface portion (22) and through the further aperture (72), transversely to the axis (52) of the second receiving opening (46).

5. A connection device in accordance with the preceding claims, characterized in that a third receiving opening (46) is formed in a third surface portion (26) facing away from the first surface portion (22).

6. A connection device in accordance with claim 5 in conjunction with claim 4, characterized in that a receiving opening edge (74) of the third receiving opening (46) has the further aperture (72) for inserting the rod element (14, 16) into the third receiving opening (46) starting from the second surface portion (24) and through the further aperture (72), transversely to the axis (50).

7. A connection device in accordance with claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an opening width (76) of the aperture (68) is smaller than the opening width (78) of the second receiving opening (46).

8. A connection device in accordance with claims 5 to 7, characterized in that an opening width (76) of the further aperture (72) is smaller than an opening width (78) of the third receiving opening (46) and / or in that the third receiving opening (46) forms or comprises a recess (84) with respect to the further aperture (72), into which recess the rod element (14, 16) is insertable and therein fixable by means of the fixing element (20).

9. A connection device in accordance with the preceding claims, characterized in that two receiving openings (46) formed in surface portions (24, 28) facing away from one another are formed in the first connection region (36) and in the second connection region (38), and in that the rod elements (14, 16) are insertable into the receiving openings (46) in mutually opposite directions.

10. A connection device in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the main body (18) comprises a stop element (64) for at least one of the rod elements (14, 16), which stop element is effective in one of the insertion directions, preferably in that the stop element (64) is configured as a partition wall (44) of the main body (18).

11. A connection device in accordance with the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: • at least one receiving opening (46) is formed in the first connection region (36) and at least one further receiving opening (46) in the second connection region (38), which receiving openings define axes (48, 50, 52, 54) which are directed transversely and in particular perpendicularly to one another, • at least one receiving opening (46) is formed in the first connection region (36) and at least one further receiving opening (46) in the second connection region (38), which receiving openings define axes (48, 50, 52, 54) which are parallel to one another; • two receiving openings (46) coaxial with one another are formed in at least one of the connection regions (36, 38), and wherein the rod element (14, 16) is guidable through the two receiving openings (46).

12. A connection device in accordance with the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one receiving opening (46) is provided with a circular or with a non-round cross section.

13. A connection device in accordance with the preceding claims, characterized in that there is provided at least one receiving opening (46) of which the receiving opening edge (66, 70, 74) runs in segments along a circular arc with a first radius and in segments along a circular arc with a second radius, which is different from the first radius and in particular is smaller than the first radius and / or in that there is provided at least one receiving opening (46) of which the receiving opening edge (66, 70, 74) has two planar segments (98, 100) oriented in a V shape relative to one another.

14. A surgical connection system (10), comprising at least one connection device (12) in accordance with the preceding claims and two or more rod elements (14, 16) which are fixable selectively to the first connection region (36) and / or to the second connection region (38).